Blue Team

Team Members

Sheldon Jones

Professional

I am a Network Engineer for Alcatel-Lucent. I have been in this field for over 15 years. I've designed, supported, and maintained Local and Wide area networks with 150 sites. Presently, I'm supporting mobile network solutions being developed at our labs for Verizon and SPring legacy 3G networks and the ongoing rollout of 4G mobile networks.

Personal

I'm a father with a wife and three children. With that said I have literally no personal time anymore, most of our time these days is spent driving form one event to another for our kids. Since I'm an IT guy, whenver I get some spare time I like to tinker with different computing devices and network components.

Team Role

Contributions

Business Case - Category of E-Commerce
Web Analysis - Caribou Coffee
Sprint 1 - US01, US05, US10

Melissa McElroy

Professional

I am a Senior Consultant and User Experience Specialist for a Microsoft Partner in downtown Chicago. I work on the Portals & Collaboration Team that specializes in SharePoint and the integration of other systems with SharePoint. I have worked with three different versions of SharePoint now and have been working with the software for 6 years. My main role on projects is principal architect, which includes design, development, performing usability reviews, and training.

Personal

In addition to being a consultant, I have been working on my graduate degree here at DePaul and only have three classes left (YEAY!). I have a 2 year old puggle named Abbi and live in the South Suburbs. I really enjoy cooking, have recently taken up running and have been doing some 5Ks and 10Ks this year. I am also looking forward to planning a backpacking trip in the spring!

Team Role

Development and Database Administration

Contributions

Team Site Creation
Business Case - Technical & Design Overview
Web Analysis - Buzz Killer Espresso
Sprint 1 - Post to Team Site, US06, User Stories

Jessica Niksa

Professional

I am Senior Manager of Global Content Strategy for The Studio at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. The Studio is Hyatt’s internal digital agency providing hotels with cutting-edge creative and content solutions. I manage a team of individuals who are responsible for the development and maintenance of all Hyatt branded websites globally, totaling over 700 websites in 12 languages.

Personal

In addition to working full time and earning my MBA at DePaul in Leadership and Change management and E-Commerce, I am also in the middle of a home renovation. My husband and I recently moved to the Western Suburbs of Chicago and are completing a full gut-rehab of our new house. When I’m not working, studying or renovating the house, I can be found outdoors: biking, hiking and running in the summer; skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Team Role

Business Analyst

Contributions

Creation of Google team site for collaboration
Business Case – Project Overview, Value Proposition for Web, How we intend to attract different types of customers
Web Analysis - Intelligentsia Coffee
Sprint 1 - US03, US04

Kirk Ockerman

Professional

I am the Internet Marketing and Business Development Manager for BMW of Nashville. My background experience lies in sales, advertising, and digital marketing, specifically in the automotive industry. I previously worked for AutoTrader.com where I consulted automotive dealers on how to successfully market their dealership and inventory online in order to sell their vehicles.

Personal

My wife, step-son, and I live in the ourskirts of Nashville, TN. I am an outdoor enthusiast and an avid sports fan. I am always interested in learning new things and continuing my education. I am training for my first 1/2 marathon despite a nagging ankle injury. With a little luck I will be able to complete the run in about 45 days from now.

Team Role

Contributions

Business Case - E-Commerce Value Chain
Web Analysis - Metropolis Coffee Company
Sprint 1 - US02, US07, US08, US09, US10